Motor Vehicle Operator (Animal Packer) (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Kings Canyon National Park, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Park Service is hiring seasonal Motor Vehicle Operators (Animal Packers) for temporary appointments not to exceed 1,039 regular work hours in a service year, approximately six months. Appointments may end earlier or be extended based on management needs, work availability, funding, weather, and visitation. Employees may be eligible for rehire in subsequent service years. The announcement lists vacancies at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and states that seasonal entry-on-duty timing varies; the anticipated entry dates listed in the announcement include April–May 2026 and April–May 2027.

The position cares for and handles mules and horses, prepares and transports pack loads and supplies, and supports trail crews. It involves truck and trailer operation on unpaved and mountainous roads, routine vehicle inspections and minor repairs, and maintenance of tack, sheds, and corrals. Assignments may require extended periods in isolated backcountry locations.

This is physically demanding outdoor work in rugged, remote conditions. Employees may encounter extreme temperatures, poor air quality, rain, snow, cold swift water, hazardous terrain, poisonous plants and reptiles, and long work hours. The role requires extended high-altitude backcountry hiking and camping, including carrying heavy loads. Housing may be available. The position is suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.

Requirements

• Possess and maintain a current Class A Commercial Driver's License by entry on duty.
• Demonstrate sufficient ability to do the work without more than normal supervision, the screen-out factor.
• Have knowledge and ability in motor vehicle operation, work practices, interpreting instructions and specifications related to mobile equipment operation, safe driving, safe operation of non-motor vehicles, and reliability and dependability as a tractor operator.
• Be able to work and camp regularly in rugged mountainous backcountry above 7,000 feet for extended periods.
• Be able to hike at high altitude for extended periods while carrying a backpack, tools, and supplies weighing at least 50 pounds, and camp for several days at a time.
• Provide a resume that documents relevant experience and training and supports responses to the assessment questionnaire; identify the required Class A CDL and selective-factor experience.
• Meet the minimum age requirement: 18 years old, or 16 years old if meeting one of the listed education or student-employment conditions.
• Meet U.S. citizenship, background investigation, and Selective Service requirements where applicable.
• Submit to pre-employment drug testing, receive a negative result before appointment, and be subject to random illegal-drug testing.
• Participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
• Wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.
• Be able to perform demanding physical work, including frequently lifting more than 50 pounds, frequently loading 60–100-pound objects, and occasionally lifting loads over 100 pounds with assistance.
• Be able to work outdoors in extreme temperatures and challenging remote conditions, and to work long hours or on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work as required.

Responsibilities

• Feed and care for 6 to 10 mules and 4 to 6 saddle horses.
• Feed and wrangle stock in backcountry settings; train horses and mules and correct behavior problems.
• Administer medications to stock.
• Perform farrier duties, including emergency field shoeing and trimming.
• Build loads and pack food, tools, camp equipment, explosives, supplies, and materials for trail crews.
• Transport livestock, supplies, and materials by truck and trailer from source locations to trailheads, including loading, unloading, and transporting hay.
• Maintain tack, sheds, and corral fence lines.
• Drive trucks and trailers, including vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds GVW and trailers over 10,000 pounds, on unpaved roads and narrow winding mountain roads.
• Inspect trucks and trailers routinely and perform minor repairs.
• Work and camp in isolated backcountry locations for periods that may range from several weeks to as long as 12 weeks.
• Hike or ride in rugged terrain, including routine riding up to 15 miles daily and periodically 25 miles or more.
• Comply with National Park Service uniform standards and participate in required drug testing.

Benefits

• Uniform allowance provided.
• Housing may be available.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and other factors.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed